To get a sense of US educational performance over time, you'd need to look at various indicators separately:
* International Comparisons (PISA): The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) began in 2000. While it doesn't provide a ranking for the US *before* 2000, you can track the US's relative performance against other countries since then. You'll find that US performance is generally middling, not consistently at the top and showing variability across subject areas.
* National Assessments (NAEP): The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a long-running US assessment, providing data since the 1970s. You can find trend data on NAEP's website showing changes in student achievement over time in various subjects and demographics. However, this isn't a direct "ranking" against other countries.
* Graduation Rates: Data on high school and college graduation rates exist from the 1970s onward, though the accuracy and consistency of data collection have improved over time. Trends show improvements in graduation rates, but these again aren't a single "ranking".
* Literacy Rates: Literacy rates can provide a long-term picture but interpreting them requires careful consideration of how literacy is defined and measured.
In short, there's no simple answer to your question. To understand the evolution of US education, you need to consult multiple sources and examine various indicators over time. You'll find that the picture is complex, with periods of improvement and stagnation, and significant disparities within the US population itself.